SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry wasted no time reminding the league of his impact Saturday night. Returning from a one-game absence due to a sprained ankle, the two-time MVP poured in 31 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 123-114 victory over the Utah Jazz.
The win snapped the Warriors (18-17) back into form just 24 hours after a 37-point drubbing by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. However, the night was not without turbulence, as Draymond Green was ejected before halftime, leaving Golden State to close out the game without their defensive anchor.
The Steph Show Returns
Curry looked refreshed and dangerous, particularly in a decisive third quarter where he scored 20 of his points on 6-of-7 shooting.
With the Jazz threatening to seize momentum, Curry took over. He drilled a go-ahead 3-pointer with 7:01 remaining in the third, then immediately buried another deep ball on the next possession, igniting the Chase Center crowd.
“Taking care of the ball has been a regular focus,” head coach Steve Kerr said. While the offense clicked, the Warriors committed 15 turnovers, which Utah converted into 22 points a lingering issue for the squad.
Green’s Early Exit
Draymond Green’s night ended abruptly with 2:25 remaining in the second quarter. The veteran forward picked up two consecutive technical fouls for arguing a non-call he believed Utah committed a defensive three-second violation and was tossed by officials.
The ejection continues a rocky stretch for Green. It marked his second ejection in his last four home games and his ninth technical foul of the season. He finished with eight points, three rebounds, and two assists in 12 minutes.
Butler Stabilizes, Markkanen Shines
Jimmy Butler, also returning to the lineup after an illness, provided the steadying hand Golden State lacked in Friday’s loss. Butler tallied 15 points and seven assists, offering a composed counterweight to the chaotic first half.
For the Jazz (12-21), Lauri Markkanen was spectacular in defeat. The Finnish forward scored a game-high 35 points, including a blistering 21-point first half where he shot 9-for-12. Keyonte George added 22 points and nine assists, but Utah could not overcome the absence of center Jusuf Nurkic (sprained toe) or the Warriors’ perimeter barrage.
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